The Patriots Jet team perform during the practice day for SBD Fest Airshow at the San Bernardino International Airport in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Last week, city leaders approved $40,200 and $34,354 in fee waivers, respectively, for the Chamber of Commerce’s Rendezvous Back to Route 66 in October and the San Bernardino International Airport’s SBD Fest in November. About $43,000 of the total allotment was not included in the city’s latest spending plan, requiring the use of cultural development fees, a general fund source, to cover the costs.

San Bernardino’s financial commitment to SBD Fest could decrease, however, should the county or neighboring cities such as Colton, Loma Linda and Highland agree to contribute toward the anticipated costs of providing support services.

According to a staff report on the matter, the waiver for the SBD Fest will cover the cost of nine police officers across the weekend; city staff to facilitate vendor coordination; trash setup and pickup; pre-event setup; traffic control; and a $429 special event permit.

Of the fees waived for SBD Fest, just north of $16,000 was not included in the 2019-20 budget. Of the fees waived for Rendezvous Back to Route 66, meanwhile, about $26,800 was unaccounted for.

Since its inception in 2015, SBD Fest has blossomed into one of the largest community events in San Bernardino. The family-friendly fall festival typically includes aerobatic performances, professional wrestling, an assortment of food and drinks, and all different types of music.

While city leaders waived more in fees for last year’s airshow, Mulvihill last week said elected officials must mind every penny after approving a spending plan that significantly cut costs to erase a projected $11.2 million deficit.

SBD Fest is scheduled from 12:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at San Bernardino International Airport, 1601 E. Third St.

The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce has led the one-day Rendezvous since 2013. Held downtown the past four years, the event includes a cruise route, food and regular vendors, beer gardens, activities for kids, and custom and classic cars galore.

Brian Whitehead covers San Bernardino for The Sun. Bred in Grand Terrace, he graduated from Riverside Notre Dame High and Cal State Fullerton. For seven years, he covered high school and college sports for The Orange County Register. Before landing at The Sun, he was the city beat reporter for Buena Park, Fullerton and La Palma.

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